British Pathe

Lengthy titles explain that in view of the frequency and increasing importance of British raids on Norway, we are about to see a complete reel of the Commandos' raid on Vaagso and Maaloy. The pictorial record of Prime Minister Winston Churchill's visit to the US has been held until the next issue. Main...

Lengthy titles explain that in view of the frequency and increasing importance of British raids on Norway, we are about to see a complete reel of the Commandos' raid on Vaagso and Maaloy. The pictorial record of Prime Minister Winston Churchill's visit to the US has been held until the next issue. Main title reads: "COMMANDOS RAID NORWAY".

Warship pulls up anchor. Naval and military Commanders check last minute plans. General view of waves breaking over the bow of the ship. M/S of 'The Mad Major', Major Churchill playing bagpipes on the deck of a ship. Various shots of Commandos below decks, playing cards, sleeping and priming their grenades. RAF planes fly overhead.

C/U of a map of the Vaagso and Maaloy Islands just off Norway. L/S of a battleship on the horizon at sunset. Commandos wait on the ship for the order to attack as we hear the sound of a clock ticking. When it comes they make for the landing craft. L/S shows Very lights sent up by the Germans piercing the sky over the islands. Various shots of night barrage from our ships off the islands.

At night the commandos advance towards the rocky coastline in landing craft and begin to move forward. As first light nears they advance towards a burning town across snow-covered countryside. A signal base camp is set up in one of the burning towns. L/S of a destroyer moving into a fjord to add to the advance.

The Commandos engage the Germans who retreat, leaving the wooden building ablaze. Flames rage everywhere and buildings collapse. Other buildings are searched by the Commandos and then blown up. Several shots of German prisoners being rounded up and put onto landing craft to go back to the British ships. Quislings are rounded up and carry their injured. The Commandos leave the island and make their way back to their ships. Back on board they pose for the camera with a captured German flags and helmets.